Winston Salem Times

City residents in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are anticipating the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of Brown School Lofts at Legacy Heights, scheduled for April 25 at 3 p.m. The event will be graced by Mayor Allen Joines, Mayor Pro Tempore Denise D. Adams, members of the City Council, and Richard J. Monocchio, HUD’s principal deputy assistant secretary with the Office of Public and Indian Housing.

The Brown School Lofts at Legacy Heights project, located at 1017 E. 11th Street, is a significant development made possible by a $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant. This initiative aims to revitalize the former Cleveland Avenue Homes community by offering a mix of affordable and market rate one- to four-bedroom townhouses. The project stands on the grounds of the Robert Washington Brown Elementary School, a site of historical significance. The community's name pays tribute to Robert Washington Brown, who served as the school's principal from 1911 to 1941.

The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem acquired the vacant school and land in 2014, leading to the eventual construction of the Brown School Lofts. McCormack Baron Salazar, renowned for its work with the HUD Choice Neighborhoods program, spearheaded the development of this transformative project.

Richard J. Monocchio, emphasizing the positive impact of the Choice Neighborhoods program, expressed, "Not only does Choice Neighborhoods bring much-needed resources to the table, but the planning and implementation process convenes a wide range of partners to invest in the community and support residents long term." Monocchio will be visiting Winston-Salem to tour various affordable housing projects, including the Brown School Lofts.

Upon the completion of all five phases of Legacy Heights, the community will boast a total of 400 units, with Brown School Lofts playing a vital role in providing quality housing options for residents.